Should Atheist Literature Join Bibles in State Park Cabins?

American Atheists, an atheist organization based out of Cranford, N.J., say they plan to send books on atheism to Georgia state parks.

In a recent press release the organization wrote:

American Atheists announced Friday that it will send the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) enough popular atheist books to place one in every state park cabin in the state. The atheist books will be placed alongside Gideon Bibles already in every state park cabin as directed by Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal on Wednesday.

The Bibles were initially removed following a complaint from former American Atheist President Ed Buckner who found nine Bibles in a cabin he had rented last month. But on May 15 Gov. Deal ordered Bibles to be returned to all cabin and lodge rooms at Georgia state parks.

“Out of an abundance of caution to avoid potential litigation, the commissioner removed the Bibles from rooms—though they were still available on site—after a complaint from a visitor. The attorney general and I agree that the state is on firm legal footing as we move to return the Bibles to the rooms,” Deal said in a statement Wednesday. “These Bibles are donated by outside groups, not paid for by the state, and I do not believe that a Bible in a bedside table drawer constitutes a state establishment of religion.

Related news: Should Bibles Stay in Georgia Park Cabins?

In response to Gov. Deal's statement, Amanda Knief, the managing director of American Atheists said, "We appreciate the governor’s invitation to place atheist books in the cabins and look forward to providing visitors with the opportunity to learn more about atheism when they visit Georgia’s beautiful state parks.”

Read the full press release by American Atheists here.

“American Atheists does not believe the State of Georgia should be placing Bibles or atheist books in state park cabins; however, if the state is going to allow such distribution, we will happily provide our materials,” President David Silverman said.

Do you think atheistic books should be in Georgia lodging rooms and cabins at state parks alongside the Bible?

Share what’s on your mind with us, and then return here to see what your neighbors in Cobb, Douglas and Paulding have said.